The "Hidden Chefs" of the Tri-Cities are ready to showcase their culinary talents at the 16th annual "An Elegant Affaire" to be held Friday, February 16 at the Newark Pavilion. This event is the major fundraiser for the league of Volunteers - LOV's "Arts In Schools Program" which last year served over 23,000 young people in Fremont , Newark and Unon City schools with in-school multi-cultural and performing arts assemblies. This year's event is again chaired by LOV's President, Jan Vincent. "An Elegant Affaire" is noted for its fine food. The "hidden chefs" of the area have created a delectable menu, centered around the theme "LOV Around the World," that will be sure to delight everyone.

For three of our chefs, this will be their first year to tempt your palettes. Ohlone College Trustee, Richard Watters has shared his culinary skills before and is in charge of the appetizer. He has creat4ed a beautiful presentation, Indonesian Satay with skewered beef accompanied by a special sauce. Minestrone Genoa is the showcase of Chef Ray Rodriguez, President of the Newark Unified School District Board. This is a Genovese Italian vegetable and pasta soup - reminiscent of old Italy. Chef Linda Mapes, is an active community volunteer. She is preparing a delicious Asian Chicken Salad with grilled chicken breast strips, served with crisp iceberg lettuce and garnished with crispy Asian noodles and peanuts served with a very special sesame/soy dressing.

Chef Dominic Machi, Newark Unified School District Director of Child Nutrition Service is lending his culinary skills for the entrŽe. His special Yankee Doodle Pork Chop will overwhelm your taste buds. He is serving up a succulent pork loin seared to perfection with a port demi-glaze sauce on a bed of smashed red potatoes and complimented with fresh and tasty green beans. He will also provide an alternative, vegetarian lasagna.

Chef Eileen McDonald is no newcomer to "An Elegant Affaire." Her culinary skills are well known and this year, besides providing the finale of the evening's fine food, she is Supervising Chef having recruited this excellent lineup of culinary experts, as well as working with them on the menu and gathering together their food needs. Eileen is creating for dessert a cream puff swan filled with fresh whipped cream which will be swimming in a lake of chocolate. She is calling this creation Je T'aime (LOV) Swan.

During the meal - diners will be served fine wines - and of course, they can't end the meal without the fine coffee of Mission Coffee Roasting. As pampered guests, they will be served by local high school students and tuxedoed wine stewards. The cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m. where guests will sample hors d'oeurves from local restaurants. Cocktail hour entertainment will be furnished by local songstress, Jeanette Butler, accompanied by jazz pianist Martan Mann. Those who wish may also partake of a special tasting of the fantastic port wines of Westover Vineyards. Elected officials from Congress, the State Senate & Assembly, Mayors & School Boards, School Superintendents, Teachers Association Presidents and more are providing some terrific live and silent auction prizes. The live auction will be presided over by popular MC and auctioneer Rick Geha. Tickets are $80 per person and reservations are limited to 160. Port tasting is an additional $10 per person. Don't miss the opportunity to celebrate LOV Around the World with An Elegant Affaire.